Gareth Bale: You can't turn down Real Madrid

Gareth Bale became the world's most expensive footballer after his move to Real Madrid

Gareth Bale has revealed that even if Tottenham had qualified for this season's Champions League he would not have turned down a world-record transfer to Real Madrid.

Bale left north London in an £85.3million deal and said he had to take up a "once in a lifetime" move.

Asked if he would have stayed in the Premier League if Tottenham had been playing in the Champions League, Bale told BT Sport: "It's once in a lifetime and I don't think you can turn down a team like that.

"For me I want to be playing (in the) Champions League but also winning trophies.

"At a club like that they're out to win every trophy they're involved in. That's exactly what I want to do.

"When Real Madrid comes in it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think if I didn't take it I would probably regret it for the rest of my life."

"When Real Madrid comes in it's a once in a lifetime opportunity" - Gareth Bale

Bale said he hoped the Tottenham fans would continue to hold him in high regard.

"The fans have been absolutely unbelievable with me," he said. "They've supported me through the bad times and believed in me.

"The nights they were cheering my name, I will never forget the great European nights at White Hart Lane."

Bale said he would always regard Tottenham as a special club.

"They were amazing and Tottenham will always have a place in my heart," he continued.

"I hope they understand Real Madrid is an absolute massive, massive club and they will understand and respect my decision."